Auburn gymnast Samantha Cerio suffered a career-ending injury during the regional semifinal Friday evening.
The senior gymnast was competing in the floor event when the injury occurred. She was stretchered off on a body board, and it was later announced during the regional that she had suffered two dislocated knees with multiple torn ligaments.
Cerio is in stable condition as she later tweeted support for her teammates after the semifinal wrapped up.
She later took to Instagram on Monday to officially announce her retirement from gymnastics.
"Friday night was my final night as a gymnast," Cerio said on Instagram. "After 18 years I am hanging up my grips and leaving the chalk behind. I couldn’t be prouder of the person that gymnastics has made me to become. It’s taught me hard work, humility, integrity, and dedication, just to name a few. It’s given me challenges and road blocks that I would have never imagined that has tested who I am as a person. It may not have ended the way I had planned, but nothing ever goes as planned.
"Thank you Auburn family for giving me a home and a chance to continue doing the sport that will always be my first love. I am honored to have had the privilege to represent the navy and orange AU for the past 4 years with my team by my side. Thank you for letting me share my passion with you. Thank you for letting me be a part of something bigger than myself. War Eagle Always."
Tigers head coach Jeff Graba issued a statement later Monday, officially saying Cerio suffered two dislocated knees with multiple torn ligaments. Cerio will undergo surgery Monday by Dr. James Andrews.
“The Auburn Athletics Department is thankful for the outstanding care that the Auburn and the LSU medical staffs have provided to Sam," Graba said. "We also are thankful for the support from the LSU Athletics Department for going above and beyond in this situation. Sam is a fighter and is in great spirits. We couldn’t have a better leader for this team.”
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